Grants and Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are gift aid and do not require repayment. Application information can be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid.

Susquehanna University Grants: This program of institutional financial aid is funded by the university and awarded on the basis of financial need.

Founders Scholarships: Three full-tuition scholarships are awarded to new students each year. Minimum qualifications are a score of 1,350 on the critical reading and math sections of the SAT, or a score of 30 on the ACT composite, along with a minimum 3.5 cumulative high school grade point average, calculated on college preparatory coursework, and demonstrated leadership ability. An interview with a member of the admissions staff is required.

University Assistantships: These awards include a professional work experience (10 hours a week on average) with a member of the university faculty or administrative staff acting as a mentor. Renewable annually.

Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarships: These awards are given to students who rank first or second in their high school classes in a demanding academic program.

Degenstein Scholarships: The Charles B. Degenstein Scholars Program provides annual scholarships to exceptionally able new students. Preference is given to students intending to major or minor in programs within Susquehanna's Sigmund Weis School of Business. Renewable annually.

Scholarships for Distinguished Achievement in Science and Mathematics: These annual awards go to students planning majors in the sciences, computer science or mathematics. Recipients are chosen on the basis of outstanding academic achievement.

Presidential Scholarships: These scholarships, renewable annually, are awarded on a competitive basis to new students who have demonstrated superior academic achievement and personal promise.

Other Susquehanna scholarship awards include the following:

Alumni Scholarships: Five awards of $2,500 annually are available each year to first-time enrolling children, stepchildren or grandchildren of alumni of the university. Recipients are selected by the Alumni Association Executive Board. Renewable for a total of eight semesters.

The Lawrence M. and Louise Kresge Isaacs Endowmentfor Music: This endowment provides a $12,500 award to an outstanding music major on the basis of an audition with the music faculty and demonstrated academic achievement. Renewable.

Susquehanna Scholars: These scholarships, renewable annually, are awarded to new students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and personal promise.

Music Scholarships: These $1,000 to $5,000 scholarships, renewable annually, are awarded to new students on the basis of competitive music scholarship auditions. They are awarded in three categories  keyboard, voice and band/orchestral instruments  to music majors and selected nonmajors.

Transfer Student Scholarships: Awarded to students transferring to Susquehanna, these renewable awards range from $7,500 to $10,000 annually. Recipients are chosen on the basis of outstanding academic achievement.

Susquehanna International Student Scholarships: Awarded to international students on the basis of academic ability and potential for contribution to campus life, these scholarships are renewable on an annual basis.

Tuition Exchange: Susquehanna participates in this program along with more than 400 other private colleges and universities. Through Tuition Exchange, children of employees at participating institutions may be eligible to receive a partial tuition waiver at Susquehanna. If either parent is a full-time faculty or staff member at a four-year college or university, the student should contact the school's personnel office for further information about eligibility. Five new scholarships are available each year.

Ministerial Grants: Dependent children of ordained Lutheran clergy are awarded $2,500 per year regardless of need. Those who demonstrate need are also considered for other types of financial aid.

Other Endowed and Restricted Awards. Interest income from the university's endowment provides other grants and loans for Susquehanna students. These funds are thoughtfully and generously provided by alumni and other friends of the university. Unless otherwise indicated, all awards are based on demonstrated need, in combination with other criteria, as listed, and are awarded through the Office of Financial Aid.